North Korea calls ex-diplomat 'human garbage'

The publication of North Korean defector Thae Yong-ho's new book could have angered Pyongyang. File Photo by Yonhap

May 16 (UPI) --North Korea condemned a high-profile defector in the South as part of a series of verbal attacks that have put the United States and South Korea on edge, including top officials overseeing military exercises on the peninsula.

Pyongyang previously accused ex-diplomat Thae Yong-ho of child rape and embezzlement following his defection from London in 2016.

Thae kept a low profile during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, but recently began speaking to reporters ahead of the release of his book on the North Korean regime.

Thae's return to the public spotlight might be irritating North Korea.

Without referring to Thae by name, KCNA condemned the "South Korean authorities" for "presenting the world's human garbage on the grounds of the National Assembly," South Korea's parliament.

Thae had made a rare appearance on Monday at the parliament building, to introduce his book and share his opinion on the recent inter-Korea summit and North Korea's intentions ahead of the June summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.